Since the 2009 Aprilia RSV4 Factory is so completely awesome and since no one else is bothering to cover it yet, we thought we’d bring you the latest crop of official images from its Rome launch as well as a recap on everything we know about it and, just for good measure, a few new tidbits too.>

Power: The Aprilia RSV4 Race Machine makes 210bhp at the crank. WhileAprilia has quoted no official power figure for the road-going RSV4,estimates put it between 180 and 190bhp at the crank. The 1098R makes180bhp at the crank.

Engine: A monobloc cylinder block, 65˚ 999cc V4 with electronic enginemanagement, variable-length intake trumpets and a ride-by-wirethrottle, which combine to offer nearly infinite power deliverycharacteristics and engine maps. There’s also independently controlledthrottle bodies for each cylinder, meaning the volume of air inductedto each can be independently and instantaneously varied. There’s also aslipper clutch and cassette gearbox.

Price: It’s looking increasingly likely that the RSV4 / Factory is adirect replacement for the RSV 1000 R / Factory which retail for$14,000 and $18,000 respectively. We’d guess at a price increase to$17,000 and $21,000 due to a higher specification and that wholecrumbling American economy thing.

Fancy stuff: While the Race Machine features traction control, thatwon’t come as standard on either the 2009 Aprilia RSV4 or Factory. Allthree models feature engine mounts that adjust by 10mm up and down, andadjustable headstock angle and adjustable swingarm pivot position.Differentiation rears it ugly head again when it comes to thesuspension and brakes; while we’re not sure what the base RSV4 willget, the Factory uses the same USD Öhlins / Brembo Monoblocs as the RSV1000 R Factory while the Race Machine is equipped with the super duperÖhlins FGR 800 forks.

Tires: Pirelli Diablo Supercorsas.

Availability: The Aprilia RSV4 Race Machine will enter the 2009Superbike World Championship. The 2009 Aprilia RSV4 and Factory shouldbe available in dealers in the spring.